Introduction to navigation - 2 hours Zoom and whole day practical

🌟 Course overview

Ready to feel more confident exploring the outdoors? This Introduction to Navigation course is designed to give you the essential skills and confidence to plan and enjoy your own lowland walks using a map and compass.

Whether you're looking to lead walks for friends, family, or a local group — or you're just starting out and want a solid foundation — this supportive, hands-on course will help you feel comfortable navigating safely and independently.

If you would like to upgrade this course and complete the Bronze NNAS Assessment then there is the option to do an additional day on Sunday 27th when you can be assessed. This would be from a different location. Please do let us know when you book that you're interested in doing this and we can send you details. 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:
✅ Beginners with little or no navigation experience
✅ Walk leaders looking to boost confidence
✅ People thinking about leading group walks
✅ Anyone who wants to explore lowland countryside more safely and independently
✅ Outdoor enthusiasts keen to learn the basics in a relaxed, small-group environment

We keep things friendly and practical — no previous experience is needed!

🧠 What you'll learn

• How to read and give accurate grid references

• How to use a map and compass to navigate between points

• Interpreting terrain using contour lines

• Understanding map symbols on different types of maps

• Orienting your map with and without a compass

• Identifying features in the landscape and your direction of travel

• Planning simple, safe routes

• Estimating distance on a map and on the ground

• Relocating when you're unsure where you are

• Understanding access rights and responsibilities

• Tips for connecting with nature as you walk

• Location: Zoom on Friday evening - please supply your email and we will send joining instructions and Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire for Saturday

• Distance: No more than 10km with up to 300m of ascent

• Duration: Evening + full day

• Group size: 2–8 people

🎒 What to Bring

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm layers (base and midlayer), hat and gloves

• Long trousers and sleeves (recommended for protection from ticks, brambles, etc.)

• Any personal medication

• Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended – let us know if you need to borrow one)

• Head torch

• Whistle

• Mobile phone

• Stopwatch

• Packed lunch and drinks

• Local OS map (available to borrow if needed)

Terrain:

Mostly paths through forest, there will be some tree roots and a few rocks to negotiate. Depending on how much rain we have had it may be muddy in places. It is likely that there will be a couple of stiles to negotiate. We will be crossing some roads and walking along a verge for a short amount of time.

Level:

This will be an easy to moderate walk

Time Estimate:

Friday evening a couple of hours on Zoom so that we can learn the basics before we head out for 7 hours on Saturday. 

You trainer

Following almost 25 years running a successful marketing and tender writing business, Katy founded Mind and Body Walking to provide coaching and wellbeing services to individuals, teams and business in the outdoors. Katy is a qualified Hill and Moorland Leader with the Mountain Training Association and a Search Technician Leicestershire Search and Rescue. 

Katy has the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Tutor NNAS Awards as well as OTC Level 3 Outdoor First Aid. She is a Registered Nurse. She regularly leads individual and group hikes and is a passionate trail walker.   

Katy takes people into beautiful open spaces, where connecting with nature and experienced coaching unlocks her client's business and personal potential as well as boosting their mental health and physical vitality.

Transport:

Parking is free at the Woodhouse Eaves car park. The location of this is on the Google map below. 

What to bring:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support
  
• Snacks / lunch
• Rucksack
• Water / drinks for the day
• Waterproofs and warm layers
• Hat and gloves
• Sun hat / sun cream
• Walking poles if you use them
• A small first aid kit and your personal medication

Toilets:

There are some toilets at the car park at Woodhouse Eaves and in Bradgate Park.

Safety:

We aim for you to have a really enjoyable time on your walk with us. We are looking forward to sharing our passion for nature and the countryside with you and will go at a slow and steady pace. You are responsible for your own health and safety, and with all outdoor activities there can be risks involved. If you have any doubts about your fitness to come on one of our walks please either discuss these with your doctor or let us know your concerns. Every participant MUST let us know any medical conditions or personal circumstances that may affect your ability to safely complete this walk.

Our leaders are all qualified Hill and Moorland Leaders and are Level 3 Outdoor First Aid trained so will be on hand in case of emergency.

Refund policy:

Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled. 

The weather:

We cannot control or predict the weather. The training will go ahead under weather conditions usual for this time of year unless we deem conditions to be dangerous e.g. in thunderstorms and high winds. Please do be prepared to face the weather conditions of the day and arrive with appropriate clothing and footwear. If we do have to cancel the walk we will either suggest an alternative date or you can redeem your ticket on another of our walks in the future.

If you would like further information about any aspect of this could please do have a look at our website www.mindandbodywalking.co.uk or contact Katy on 07941 465 799. 

If you would like to book onto the Sunday and complete the NNAS Bronze assessment please contact Katy on 07941 465 799 or katydraper@mindandbodywalking.co.uk